Kathy Lange

Kathy Lange was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother. She lived her life fully by extending herself selflessly to others. Her family was her greatest source of pride. There wasn’t anything she wouldn’t do for them or anyone in need. A natural nurturer, no one was ever made to feel a stranger in her presence. Kathy leaves behind a wonderful collection of memories that will fondly be remembered by all who knew and loved her. So much of our nation’s history was characterized by the year 1941. It was the year that marked the fateful attack by the Japanese at Pearl Harbor. Franklin D. Roosevelt was leading the United States into unprecedented times. Theodore and Josephine (McGeath) Lange welcomed home their newborn daughter, Kathleen Ruth, on September 22 in Allegan, Michigan. Born the fifth child out of eight children, her birth brought her parents great joy and promise during an era of great change. Kathy lived a typical childhood of the times. She and her siblings spent many hours together playing and getting into their fair share of mischief. She was raised with a strong foundation of faith. Studious as well as ambitious, she excelled in school and graduated from Allegan High School with the Class of 1959. Not too long after graduation, Kathy entered the world of work where she would meet her husband. Together they raised three wonderful children: Kelly, Scott, and Matt. Her children were her everything. She enjoyed her role as a mother and cherished her years of being actively involved with their many special interests. When the children were growing up, she played the role of a Scout mother for both the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts. Never one to turn down an opportunity to support her children, she was also very active in the Vicksburg Athletic Boosters. While her boys were in high school, Kathy started one of the first organized spaghetti dinners for the football team that is now a tradition in the community. She spent many years cheering them on from the sidelines as well as supporting their every success! Kathy held a vast array of special talents yet was mostly drawn to her artistic side. For many years she worked as a floral designer for Shafer Flowers in Kalamazoo. Later, she dabbled in small business ownership and ran, Silk Creations for a short time. She also went to Clown School and brought many smiles and joy to the Bronson Pediatric Unit. Kathy worked for many years at the Mott’s Christmas Barn, spreading her holiday cheer and creating beautiful arrangements. For relaxation and enjoyment, she treasured her time working in her flower garden and painting. Some of her most memorable memories were the times she spent visiting her cousin, Skip, who lived on Beaver Island and planning her annual sister trips. Any amount of time she was gathered with family her heart was content. There was no doubt that above all else, family was important to Kathy as well as her faith. She was blessed to celebrate the births of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and be a part of their lives. Nothing warmed her heart more than caring for them over the years. She loved to stay connected to their many endeavors and share in their special celebrations. Known for her delicious banana bread as well as her unique announcement, “You Whoo I am here,” each time she entered any home, Kathy’s presence will be dearly missed. Generous beyond measure, strong-willed, and a genuine model of a faithful servant, her loved ones will always remember the many special memories they shared with her. May they never doubt her love for each and every one of them and may her memories be eternal. Kathleen Ruth Lange, of Vicksburg, Michigan passed away on March 22, 2020, at the age of 78. Kathy is survived by her three children: Kelly (Dan) Oswalt, of Vicksburg; Scott Swope, of Vicksburg; and Matt (Debbie) Swope, of Vicksburg; five grandchildren: Megan (JT Neel) Oswalt, Emily (Andy) Foster, Katie (Derek) Debiak, Amanda Swope and Nick Swope, all of Vicksburg; two great grandchildren: Grady and Addy Foster, both of Vicksburg. She is also survived by her brother: Thomas Lange, of Allegan; sister: Gretchen (Ron) Wedge, of Allegan; brother-in-law: Ken Washburn, of Hopkins; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. She is preceded in death by her great granddaughter: Josie Neel; siblings: Grace Ann (Gerald) Richardson, Sue (Joe) Huguelet, Barbara Jo Washburn, Mary Joan Lange, Ted (Wanda) Lange; special cousin: Edna “Skip” McDonough; and sister-in-law: Sue Lange. Kathy has been cremated and will have a Celebration of her Life on her birthday, September 22, 2020 from 5pm to 8pm at R&R Weddings and Events, 343 West Prairie, Vicksburg, MI. While visiting Kathy’s webpage at www.mccowensecord.com please sign the guestbook by light a candle, and/or sharing a memory with the family. Those who wish may make contributions to Birch Meadows 710 North Douglas Street Three Rivers, MI 49093 The family is being assisted by the McCowen & Secord Funeral Home, Rupert-Durham Chapel, 409 S. Main, Vicksburg, MI 49097 269-649-1697.